The weekend descended upon the students as classes came to an end. Practice, however, ceased only because it was the day before their scrimmage with Saunders. Kaiser had found a resolution with Natalya and their team performance saw immediate results from the cooperation in the few days since. Albeit there was even less interaction between the two if that was possible.
Natalya was seen obeying commands, showing up to practice on time, keeping up with her vehicle's maintenance, and even attempting to repair her tenuous relationship with her team. As for speaking to Kaiser, she had seen to it that a single word had not been exchanged, Let alone in private.
Kaiser was one of the only students present in the hangar as the rest of the cadets eagerly took the chance for a day to relax. What would have normally been for maintenance and gear checks was consistently interrupted by a small and very persistent nuisance. As he sat inside the turret of the Panther, Valerya meanwhile sat outside, peering down onto him. She lay along the front of the turret, kicking her legs above the barrel, pestering him with questions.
After he had been interrogated for the past hour and responded with nothing but stinted replies and single-worded answers, the two had fallen into a rhythm. As she continued to ask the same questions a different way for the umpteenth time Kaiser would only answer if she would assist and hand him what he needed from the toolbox resting outside the cupola.
With another sigh, Kaiser answered. "She properly apologized to her peers and vowed to do better, even apologizing publicly to Virtanen for disrupting practices. He seemed bewildered she was talking to him in the first place though," he explained. "Some accepted her reformed attitude but it seems a small detachment who remained defendant of me believe she should be prostrating herself as recompense. I declared I didn't care and despite their want to defend me we proceeded unimpeded. They may still be guarded towards Your sister but I'm sure they'll warm up to her if she keeps the act up"
"That's not what I asked" sulked Valerya.
"Perhaps" responded Kaiser. "But fervently asking, and I quote 'How far I went with Natalya when we were alone is not a specific question, and dare I say appropriate" he deadpanned.
With a Cheshire grin, Valerya pushed her interrogation once more. "I only ask based on what little Natalya let slip and stutter out."
With a sigh, Kaiser responded shaking his head slightly. "More heated words, frustration, and tears came about than the passionate rendezvous in your head" Snorted Kaiser.
"Sounds passionate to me with just that" she argued.
"Perhaps then you could explain why she's been avoiding me like the plague," he asked, oiling a few components.
"What do you mean?" asked Valerya confused.
"Before we resolved our little 'internal spat' she would send some barbed words my way and if I cared enough that day I would give a backhanded remark. It was almost a daily routine for a while. Since we last saw each other off she barely even appears before me. I've seen more of Kay recently in online meetings arranging this scrimmage than Natalya" he explained.
"Tsk, Tsk, Tsk, Minus points for bringing up another woman" tutted Valerya. Kaiser gave a confused look at her as she shook her head wagging a finger. Mentioning another woman when talking about problems with one is a sign of guilt and a one-way ticket to the tabloids. Especially with Kay of all people. She further explained.
"I may draw attention but she's on another level." Valerya shivered at the thought of Kay before jumping back onto the topic at hand. Kaiser, seeing an opportunity to work continued paying half a mind to her.
"So. You're feeling lonely is it" teased Valerya, grinning ear to ear behind him. Kaiser continued his work without a response as she switched gears again. "Why does it matter? She told me that you said it was fine if she wasn't friendly with you".
Kaiser nodded at her claim. Stopping his tasks, he glanced at Valerya. "It just seems that it was a waste of my effort if nothing came of it other than a status quo".
"Awww so you do want friends" teased Valerya, kicking her legs wildly.
Rolling his eyes, Kaiser returned to work, clarifying his statement. "For someone acclaimed to be so intelligent, you're wrong yet again. I offered my oversight on her improvement to assist in her recovery. I just don't want her to revert to distrust and that failure as another burden on me".
Valerya's teasing squeals slowly ceased as she gently gazed at the back of his head, processing his words. Nestling behind her crossed arms she gently spoke. "I'm glad to hear that. I'm sure she would be too… Don't worry though she's not doing it out of hate or distrust... I just think she needs to come to terms with some personal emotions."
"Care to clarify that?" asked Kaiser, now cleaning the gunner's sight. Valerya's perked her head up, switching back to her cunning disposition, to Kaiser's dismay.
"I may be able to expand upon that if you give me details and not just short answers. Tell me exactly how it played out" she bargained placing another electronic tester in Kaiser's extended hand. She attempted to withhold it until he answered but almost effortlessly he ripped it away and began testing the electronics inside the vehicle. Through a sidelong glance, Kaiser saw Valerya's pouting face only to give an indifferent huff.
Kaiser gave another answer of no substance. "If your sister didn't tell you anything different after you undoubtedly pried her for information the past few days then I don't believe I'm capable of doing so either" he replied dryly. "Rather I think the aftereffects require more of our attention and not yours." Valerya's gave a thoughtful hum allowing Kaiser some reprieve.
More than once she had come to harry Kaiser with conversation in the past week since they had first met, leading Kaiser to a brooding realization. 'These sisters showing me personalities different to their public reputation is more of a bother than an honor. The younger appears out of nowhere to annoy me with small talk, trying to test her new methods of coercion on me and the older is far more emotional, going out of her way to avoid me. They're completely different from how they act in school'-
"Sir?" called Valerya waking him from his thoughts. "You listening?" She asked, frowning down at him. Without missing a beat Kaiser wrote down the results of the tester and nodded his head.
"We're undoubtedly still talking about your sister" he answered drawing a sigh from the girl. Dropping her head into the turret she shook it negatively, her long golden hair rustling in his face as he batted it away.
"So you weren't listening after all," concluded Valerya.
Still working, Kaiser sought to make the girl continue carrying the conversation herself so he could focus. "You've been speaking of her for an hour now after somehow knowing I'd be here. I won't budge on details and you should know that. Besides, what happened was resolved between me and Natalya Prokov. I was hoping it would remain between us and not the troublesome Prokov. Since you've been around me you only speak of her, why not talk about yourself for a change?" He had laid out an easy route for her to talk her head off, a bait she couldn't resist or so he thought.
"I hear enough about myself from the others in the school already besides I'm even starting to make appearances in that underground school gossip blog despite telling them not to". Kaiser's writing stopped abruptly, Valerya picked up on the sudden reaction. "That catch your interest sir~?" she sang expecting an interesting response. Instead, as Kaiser turned, she was met with hollow eyes causing her to draw in on herself meekly.
"Tell me more of what those reprobates are doing Prokov," he demanded, standing as she retreated out of the cupola.
"First could you do something about that glare..." she requested.
Bringing a hand over his face Kaiser eased on showing the contempt he held for that decentralized newspaper.
"Explain now," he said rolling his wrist, signaling her to start.
"Well there isn't much to say other than we were very lucky not to get caught. You even more so, secretly meeting me and my sister on the same day". She explained.
As Kaiser raised a brow of concern Valerya explained further. "Well with how strictly the school punishes out-of-line students there isn't much for that 'newspaper' of theirs to report on, not that it seems their focus is on average events".
"To be honest it seems that they're more concerned with juicer rumors than actual news. Hence why their focus is more on our Senshado team than any other club, with us being the center of the school and whatnot. They even have a way to contact their blog and submit anonymous leads with evidence, basically leaving any outsider and our entire school as possible informants." She explained raising a finger matter of factly. Kaiser became suspicious of her knowledge on the subject, however.
"And how do you know so much of their operations? You wouldn't happen to be an informant or perhaps one of the founders, would you?" Before his final words left Valerya vehemently shook her head no. Not willing to even amuse the thought, she proclaimed innocence.
"No way! I told you I had my little information network of friends and such here, that was the only way I could pull some strings and not have them spy on us or my sister!" Kaiser's glare relented, now interested at the mention of 'pulling strings'. "Explain what you mean by strings Prokov".
Breathing a sigh of relief Valerya took a moment to calm herself. "Like I said everyone's a possible informant, with our school and others looking in someones always bound to be watching. First I caught wind of a small rumor of me and you secretly meeting in the hangar".
'That was true though' Kaiser noted to himself, as Valerya continued speaking.
"Thankfully my word and prsonal personal circle deescalated the rumor before it reached the presses. It was when you two kept going to the range after school hours. Those shots are pretty noticeable on a quiet evening. First I heard of it some were spreading it as a little school story of love, something made up to set their hearts aflutter". Valerya exaggeratedly stuck her tongue out and made a "blegh" sound.
"Not one for romance?" Kaiser asked, surprised.
"You get the same lovesick confessions and it would wear on you too, why do you think it's more fun seeing your reactions?" she explained.
"Almost tempts me to degrade myself by giving you one to get rid of you. Almost" he snipped.
"Now that would be a sight" she chuckled into her hand.
"But anywho, it was when other students kept trying to find out just who was at the range that I had to intervene. I had to get into contact with the blog owners and broker a deal to keep their hounds from sniffing you and my sis out."
Kaiser rolled his eyes. "Such a brave example of noblesse oblige. Must be hard being at the top of the school's hierarchy".
Valerya feigned no modesty. Her face quickly distorted to exhaustion. "You have no idea. Rather than staying in your little world, it'd be great if you hopped on your own wave of fame and stood beside me. Doesn't sound too bad does it?"
Her eyes sparkled, expecting a positive response. Disappointingly, Kaiser looked at her with a dumbfounded expression. "Really now? You think I would be popular? I'm just the stern vice commander of a team and nothing more Prokov, You'd be better off headhunting some of your other peers".
"Ehhhh, should've expected that I suppose," she moped, shaking her head.
Kaiser began checking the radio equipment as he called Valerya in further. "Prokov hand me the list of frequencies for matches next to the tools". In a flash, Valerya did as instructed hanging upside down and passing the clipboard. As Kaiser retrieved it he grasped her wrist, The sudden action, shocking Valerya.
"U-um Sir?" she asked, barely maintaining her balance.
"You said you bartered with them," he said sternly, checking the radio with one hand and firming his grip with the other. "I assume they are only interested in information and as you said private information on us".
Valerya felt a bead of sweat begin to draw on her neck, slowly sliding down to her ear. The cause certainly not being the heat inside the vehicle nor the blood rushing to her head. She knew he had caught on.
"So Ms. Prokov," said Kaiser turning his head slowly as he addressed her. "What information did you trade?"
Valerya's face showed her guilt as her eyes widened and locked onto his. "O-oh nothing Sir. Just some interesting factoids-"
"Natalya told me you were eavesdropping" he interrupted. Valerya cinched her mouth shut. "It may have been to protect us from prying ears but you couldn't help but listen yourself, right?" Guiltily she slowly shook her head up and down once.
Kaiser's glare didn't relent despite the hesitant response from the upside-down girl. "What. Was. It" he demanded
"They had a very high price... So I promised some info on you," she muttered.
"And?" he continued.
"Well let's say after this weekend you'll certainly be more popular, ehe".
Despite her broken laugh at the end, the mood remained strained. Kaiser didn't speak, instead leaving Valerya to simmer under the pressure.
"They may look into your school records to confirm if you were the head of InfanterieKampf before enrolling here."
Kaiser released her and rubbed his temples in frustration.
"It was publicly accessible knowledge, you couldn't have expected to hide it, besides I worked hard to cover for you two" she defended with a pout only to receive Kaiser snapping a sharp look in her direction.
With an "eep" Valerya shot up and out of the hatch, perhaps lightheaded from the blood rush she then stumbled onto the chassis and knocked the toolbox over on her way down. Slowly Kaiser emerged out of the cupola to look down on her, resting his head on a hand. Embarrassed Valerya avoided making eye contact expecting him to hurl insults.
"You handled that to the best of your ability. And you're right someone was bound to find out. Whether a schoolmate or an opposing school, it's all online and old news regardless. Good job Valerya". His voice, surprisingly void of anger, instead showed a minute amount of praise. Valerya looked up imagining a glimpse of the same smile Natalya had told her about but instead saw him covering his mouth with the hand he rested his head on, looking away.
Valerya had gone unusually quiet, drawing a glance of curiosity from him. His eyes were met with a warm smile accompanied by half-lidded eyes partially obscured by her hair. The golden strands illuminated by the bright lighting above and making her visage seemingly glow. 'No doubt too many poor fools fell for that face and ended up worse off for it' he critiqued internally.
Valerya's face immediately shifted into a stern stare. "You just thought of something incredibly rude didn't you?" she asked, hitting the nail on the head.
"Did my expression give it away or the lack thereof?" He asked sarcastically.
"Lack of and I didn't hear any denial," she said standing to her feet.
"Oh, I'd never think rudely of you. I was just thinking about how we first spoke under similar circumstances, for the first time and not even a few days ago" he quipped. Her stare met his before she broke off into a snicker. Through the small chuckles, she had one more crack at him.
"What's with the hot and cold act?"
Valerya began to laugh more at her own words as Kaiser felt a tick of irritation despite the fact he knew it was her objective. They were some of the only people who knew each other's true sides, even predicting how the other would act to an extent despite having only a few meetings between them.
Her most recent pastime had been trying to get a rise out of him, and she was rather talented at it. Perhaps it even took priority over her schooling for her. It was just something he had come to terms with as she made it clear she was here to stay so long as he kept his word.
This didn't mean he let her insults go by unabated. "Don't worry Prokov. Me praising your efforts is the nicest you'll ever see me. I just don't want any more information about me being spread. Especially rumors saying I don't reward those who do well".
"Eh? What's with that reaction? You said I did well so don't be snippy, just say it again and show me that elusive smile!" she complained, crawling forward to tug at his arm, still covering his lower face. Kaiser resisted, her small frame providing no leeway against him firmly planted against the cupola ring.
"You're being annoying," he reprimanded.
"Wha- you're annoying!" Said Valerya biting back at the offhand remark. "Trying to play it cool all the time when you're no better than me. Here I am willing to spare time for you and yet you're the one complaining?" she spat.
"Noisy, obnoxious, and besides I am better" he listed off, giving her a cheeky glance upwards. "I have seen you run the obstacle courses" he snickered hiding behind his hand once more. Offended Valerya stood as tall as she could and stomped a foot on the chassis. Despite this, as Kaiser sat in the turret she was barely higher than his eye level. This seemed to make her more upset.
"Physical strength isn't everything! That's Nat's strong suit! I have better grades than anyone! Even you!" she replied snarkily.
Forcing a yawn, Kaiser sluggishly replied. "Brains aren't everything either, besides I sleep through my classes and still pass with high grades". Valerya's cheeks puffed slightly as she looked for any way to snip back. Before her mouth opened to continue the pointless argument Kaiser interrupted her. "And don't bring up popularity. I may not be a fan favorite but where you're famous I may as well be infamous.
Valerya held her tongue knowing his claim was true as more students knew of his harsh punishments and demeanor than even her popularity. However, her pride would not let her concede. As the two continued to bicker and with no work being done, another pair of students entered the garage drawing only Kaiser's eyes. As the exchange went on Virtanen made his presence known.
"Well now, aren't you two on friendly terms." Virtanen joked, looking up from the side of the Panther at the two bickering. Next to him, Knight gave his usual timid smile. "Excuse us Ms. Prokov. I can see that you two were having a lively conversation but may I speak with my Vice Commander in private?" asked Virtanen apologetically.
"Oh, of course, sir!" Came her reply, immediately putting on her usual facade. As she hopped off the vehicle and passed the two males, she glanced back at Kaiser, briefly sticking her tongue out of her mouth before giving a smile and a wave as she departed.
Virtanen clambered up the Panther as Knight sat on the neighboring vehicle's chassis. Kaiser had watched Valerya leave with little interest as Virtanen began to speak, drawing his ire.
"And so for the first time in his life, the ever admirable Kaiser had given up and chosen to go after the little sister of his prior target. How the mighty have fallen" mocked Virtanen.
Not sparing the energy, Kaiser simply glared upwards at the standing Virtanen and bluntly responded. "With all I do for you and this team, you would think you wouldn't risk losing everything over one of your hilarious taunts."
Weathering the glare he was all too used to Virtanen chuckled and slapped Kaiser's shoulder. "I wouldn't even dare speak to you if I was even slightly worried about you abandoning the team" Virtanen answered firmly.
"Strange how your faith in me only brings nuisance rather than honor" Kaiser retorted. While the two shared friendly banter, Knight looked on quietly observing the unfamiliar sight of his commanders simply chatting. He had grown used to being quiet in their presence, not out of his shyness rather he found it interesting learning from his senior's stories and experience.
Though only a year older, it wasn't too far off the mark to say he wished to be like them even taking to shadowing Virtanen whenever he was not with his friends as well as trying to learn from Kaiser if the opportunity arose. It wasn't often, however, as Kaiser was either busy or extremely elusive.
"So I assume if you're on good terms with Valerya that means you found a solution to the Natalya problem?" asked Virtanen, bringing Knight's attention to their discussion once more.
"As always, I managed" answered Kaiser, giving a single nod.
"Impressive as always" Virtanen complimented.
"You've gotten quite good at blowing smoke up people's arses haven't you?" came Kaiser's reply.
"I could've only learned from you, but I am surprised you remedied the situation so quickly" Virtanen complimented.
Knight nodded in agreement, the simple memory of Natalya's icy glare made him shiver despite her being lower in rank. He was younger than her and as she still showed her infamous frown at school daily, it seemed only at practice the icy stare was absent.
"So what is it you want? You're not usually one to snub your subordinates to speak with me," asked Kaiser as he stretched his arms upwards.
"You're correct," Virtanen replied, crossing his arms. "We'll be docking tomorrow and almost immediately afterward depart for the scrimmage. I just wanted to know how you think the cadets are fairing within each squad".
"Afraid they'll get anxious?" Kaiser asked condescendingly.
"We'll it is their first match, even if it's unofficial" Virtanen replied, his eyes drifting to Knight twiddling his thumbs. The boy knew he was at times a prime example of nerves.
"Fair point" replied Kaiser leaning back onto the cupola ring. Rolling his head back he closed his eyes in thought, humming to himself. "If I'd have to say Sokolov and O'Diveley's squads are more excited than anything as the pressure isn't on them this time around. Knight's squad pieced him back together after he began to overthink and panic over the concept of failure"
Knight squeamishly rubbed the back of his neck at the dead on assumption as Kaiser's eyes lazily drifted over him.
"Your squad Virtanen seems to have the best heads on their shoulders at the moment and probably broached the topic of R and R with you. That only leaves your curiosity towards my squad, correct?" Kaiser concluded.
"Bingo" Came Virtanen's reply.
Kaiser shrugged, explained his situation without hesitation. "If I'm the last one you're checking with then that's good, means you took initiative for once" he quipped. "Valerya Prokov keeps her crew in high morale and I've spoken with her as you've seen. She's expecting a win".
Virtanen nodded at the good news as Kaiser continued."As for Natalya Prokov's crew, they've recently patched over their old grudges and are finally seeing progress after being rather stale in practice. Natalya's seemed to have solidified her control over them. Hopefully, after this scrimmage, she'll gain their loyalty".
"And your team?" Virtanen asked.
"Not much to say" Kaiser bluntly responded. "They may have their quirks but so far, met my standards satisfactorily".
Virtanen gave a low whistle. "That already speaks volumes in and of itself if they haven't managed to disappoint you." Rather than refute Kaiser shrugged a shoulder at the comment.
Virtanen kicked one leg back and forth as he stared down at his feet in thought. "Well, I'm glad the students are getting R and R tonight. They'll need to be at their best tomorrow, especially after how hard we've been running them the past month" Virtanen admitted.
Knight spoke up, interjecting his thoughts. "A lot of the cadets see this as a reward. Most of them were sure they'd be run ragged up till the match itself" he informed.
Leaning forward Kaiser gave a taunt. "Oh don't worry, if they end up losing out there I'll be sure to make this day off the last they'll ever see".
With a bead of sweat at the insinuation, Knight respectfully replied "Y-Yes Sir". Virtanen waved a hand between the two's line of sight, demanding Kaiser's attention.
"Come on now let's get out of here! we gotta go soon" ordered Virtanen wrapping an arm around Kaiser.
"What are you on about?" demanded Kaiser, peeling the hand off him.
"Knight and I came here to drag you along with us to a little get-together O'Diveley is throwing. He seems the most gung ho about our match, he even rallied up other students in the school" he explained with a delighted grin.
Prying the handoff and pushing it away Kaiser flatly refused. "No thanks. I'll be here till night doing checks and then I'll be getting some sleep" he replied.
"Here we go" Virtanen muttered aloud, rolling his eyes. "I know your shy Kaiser, but this is ridiculous". He sighed, throwing his hands up. "Or can it be that- I mean you can't just be scared of women are you? No, no, that can't be but surely a little get-together wouldn't be too difficult for you? How sad..." As Virtanen's monologue continued Knight could see the attempt at reverse psychology. But it wasn't working
As Kaiser's frown deepened, Knight glanced between the two wishing to speak up and stop Virtanen's already doomed attempt. But too late Kaiser was already irate enough. Reaching a hand out Kaiser pinched Virtanen's side receiving a panicked yell and jump from Virtanen.
As silence descended Kaiser took to speaking. "Hmm, Virtanen. You seem more prone to talking these days but you seem to be in worse shape than when we were in InfanterieKampf" he stated to Virtanen's confusion. "I understand our profession has changed but that's no excuse is it? After all, we only transferred eight or so months ago".
Virtanen felt a bead of sweat draw on his brow as Kaiser kept speaking,
Noticing the tension Knight tried to ease the atmosphere. "T-That's right Sir! Word around the school was that you were head of your old InfanterieKampf team! That's pretty amazing! It made a lot of sense to those of us in the team".
Kaiser glanced over to Knight, listening to his interruption. "That's right Knight, I was. It was demanding, and I figured if Virtanen was a commander he'd shape up. I seemed to have been wrong. Isn't that a rarity?" asked Kaiser, slowly turning to glare at Virtanen. "Say, as you're free today why don't I show you some of our old training. Seems like Virtanen here needs it. Isn't that right Austin".
Knight remained silent sensing the threat behind Kaiser's words and the clear unease on Virtanen's. Kaiser had slowly placed a foot out of the hatch as Virtanen leaped off the vehicle and began to sprint for the door.
"You little!-" shouted Kaiser unholstering his sidearm and firing two shots as he pursued. Virtanen had the good sense to look back in time to see him draw, before jumping behind an armored car resting separately from their tanks.
"Why on God's green earth do you have that?!" Shouted Virtanen from behind his cover as the rubber rounds plinked against the metal.
Still shouting but now calmer, Kaiser answered. "As luck would have it, I had an official meeting with the school board today outside of practice to brief the docking situation for our vehicles. I had changed before coming here and I can't leave a sidearm unintended. Besides pain is the only thing fools like you can remember!"
Steadily approaching Virtanen's cover, Kaiser kept his aim steady. Closing within a few meters he heard Virtanen shuffle behind an adjacent vehicle. Seeing movement he directed his sights towards the doorway.
Virtanen threw his jacket as a distraction, hoping to gain distance and rush behind the rows of spare parts and maintenance equipment as cover to escape through the back doorway. Kaiser hadn't taken the bait, instead firing as soon as he emerged.
"Who do you think taught you that trick!" Shouted Kaiser as Virtanen crashed behind his new cover.
Virtanen quietly hissed at the stinging pain in his back, "What in the!- What is wrong with you? I say a few supposedly rude things and you shoot me?!" shouted Virtanen, keeping his head low.
Slowly Kaiser stepped towards Virtanen once more. Each step reverberating in the large hangar. "You've been hit worse in matches so stop crying or is this the best show you can give poor Knight?"
At the mention of his name Knight awoke from his amazement at how the two had descended into violence in under thirty seconds and carefully approached seeking to intervene.
"I'll teach you manners yet Austin" declared Kaiser.
Turning the corner he expected to see Virtanen throwing his hands up and forfeit. Instead a loud "think fast!" came along with a wrench flying at him. The tool impacted his wrist bruising him, the sudden impact causing him to drop his pistol. Without even looking at the discarded weapon Kaiser went after Virtanen who chased after it.
A small bout of grappling ensued. Kaiser overpowered Virtanen easily as the latter struggled for the weapon before attempting to escape the chokehold he found himself in. Knight stood next to them unsure of how to intervene. He was not as strong and far more timid than both. Unsure of what he could do he simply fumbled at the mouth as the spar continued.
"G-Guy's I think that's enough-" Knight was barely able to finish his sentence before Virtanen, pawing at the luger, grasped it.
Quickly the barrel swung at Kaiser's legs, even swifter Kaiser had swung Virtanen into an armbar. The luger discharged a round from the fray mid-movement, ricocheting off the ground and into Knight's neck. Falling to the ground in pain clasping his throat he spit out his last words. "You... B…Bastards!"
The grapple halted as the two were in disbelief at Knight cursing them for once. The two commanders shared looks of concern and saw just how disheveled they had become. Kaiser's hair was a mess and his school uniform was dusty from the ground. Virtanen's face, blue a moment ago, was now red in pain. Knight meanwhile was in the feeble position in pain.
Simultaneously Virtanen released the Luger as Kaiser released him. Sprawling onto the ground they caught their breaths. Virtanen started chuckling to himself while Kaiser thought quietly as a sound caught their attention.
Looking up they saw the lurching from the steel entrance door. A female student walked in. Looking up from her phone, she saw came across the three lying there exhausted. As fast as she entered she left without a word closing the door behind her.
Both sets of eyes remained on the door. "Who was that?" asked Virtanen.
"She's not a Senshado cadet," answered Kaiser.
"Why do you think she was here?" Virtanen asked between breaths.
"Looking for a friend, send a message, perhaps just curious. We did fire three shots".
"I didn't like that look on her face" Virtanen stated.
"I didn't like the fact her phone was out" Kaiser agreed. Glancing at each other they both hopped to their feet and raced after the girl.
"This is your fault!" shouted Virtanen as they ran.
"Perhaps if you thought before acting! And don't think I was joking about your lack of training!" retorted Kaiser as the door slammed shut behind them. Still laying on the ground a small stifled laugh forced itself out of Knight's throat. He was thankful for the peace, deciding to succumb and take a nap to dull his pain.
Virtanen and Knight soon caught the girl and ensured clarity. Ever cautious, Kaiser persuaded her to allow him to inspect her phone and cloud storage of "Any out of context media that could prove damaging" or so he said. Virtanen joined, hinting at some subtle repercussions before Kaiser had a few minutes of 'one on one' discussion time.
Thankfully the girl complied stating she was there for documents for Piper but upon seeing them decided to return another time. She was thankfully truthful and understanding as no-nonsense was ever spread of the day's mishap.
However, Knight's unconscious self was found by Lieutenant Frost who was curious as to his absence. She frantically wished him to the nurse's office and saw to his bruising giving a lecture to Virtanen about how shooting your subordinate in the throat wasn't advantageous to group cohesion or trust. Virtanen willingly took the critique, Kaiser, however, brushed her off much to her frustration.
The day was their last before the scrimmage meant to be devoted to preparation, It was needless to say not much was accomplished. More importantly, however, Virtanen and Kaiser allowed the junior cadets' reprieve from the anxiety of their upcoming match. Even Kaiser himself had relieved some stress in the end, much to the risk of Virtanen's and Knight's health.
Saunders arc 2 Part 3- End.